Hatters sign Seagulls keeper on season-long loan

Mike Simmonds

Luton Town have signed Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Christian Walton on a season-long loan deal.

The 20-year-old began his career at Plymouth Argyle before Brighton snapped him up as a 17-year-old in February 2013, with Hatters manager Nathan Jones working with the youngster throughout his first three years at the Championship club in his role as Seagulls’ coach.

“It is a real coup for us as he had many options, but he’s chosen us as he believes in what we do.”

Nathan Jones

Walton made his debut for the Seagulls in their Capital One Cup at Tottenham Hotspur in October 2014 and went to make a further three appearances in the Championship that season.

Last term, he spent time on loan at both Bury and former club Plymouth, playing 12 times in total, while Walton has also earned 12 caps for England’s age group teams, with four coming at U19 level and eight for the U20s, becoming a regular member of Gareth Southgate’s U21 squad last season.

Town chief Jones was thrilled with his new addition, as he told the club’s official website: “I am delighted to have signed a player of Christian’s quality and pedigree.

“I worked close to him at Brighton and I know he has the potential to be a top keeper. It is a real coup for us as he had many options, but he’s chosen us as he believes in what we do.

“I’d like to thank Brighton for their co-operation and desire to get this deal done. We feel we’ve added real quality this summer, and Christian is another hand-picked piece in our jigsaw.”

Meanwhile, Walton himself added: “When I found out about Luton’s interest in me, I was more than happy to sign and continue learning my trade as a goalkeeper under Nathan’s guidance.”